Investing out of pity for founders rarely yields returns; focus on strong, capable founders instead.

Investors should be cautious of founders who have easy backup plans; true commitment is essential for startup success.

Founders should be proactive in making tough decisions to steer their startups towards profitability, rather than relying on external pressures or advice.

I focus on investing in startups with large markets and relentless founders, as these factors are crucial for success. I admire solo founders who can persevere for a year or longer by themselves, as it's already hard enough to go through the startup journey alone.

The best founders are those who truly understand the problem they are solving, which drives their persistence even in tough times.

It's beneficial to raise money from investors with a track record of building large companies, as they are more likely to support your growth.

Founders must prepare for a challenging journey, aligning their investors and team on the understanding that the path to success will be bumpy and filled with tough decisions.

I encourage all founders to define what kind of leader they want to be, especially during tough times, and to do so with absolute and unapologetic confidence.

It's challenging to identify a great investor, especially for early-stage founders who often have limited options.